The Rotary Club of New Manila East Celebrates 2024 COPS Awardees in an Intimate Ceremony of Honor and National Pride

9/10/2024

In a resounding display of honor and patriotism, the Rotary Club of New Manila East (RCNME) lead by President Karlo Benjamin Nisce, held a prestigious and intimate ceremony on September 10, 2024, at the esteemed Club Filipino to celebrate the 2024 Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) awardees. This year’s honorees, recognized by the RCNME and the Metrobank Foundation for their exceptional contributions to law enforcement and community service, were Police Maj. Mark Ronan Balmaceda, Police Lt. Col. Bryan Bernardino, and Police Staff Sgt. Llena Sol-Josefa M. Jovita.

The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, reflecting both the gravity of the awardees’ achievements and the spirit of nationalism that the event sought to evoke. From the opening remarks to the final toast, the entire program was a testament to the invaluable role of law enforcement in upholding the safety of the nation and community service. This RCNME flagship project is led by Ruby COPS Chairman & Secretary PE Majumi Borlaza, whose leadership ensured the success of the annual program of the club.

RCNME President Karlo Benjamin Nisce delivered a stirring & personal speech, emphasizing the significance of recognizing the country’s finest officers. One of the highlights of the evening was the formal oath-taking of the honorees into PROTECT, an exclusive organization of past COPS honorees. Administered by Police Maj. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo, the solemn moment was a symbolic induction into a group of law enforcement leaders who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the country. The oath further solidified the awardees’ commitment to continue serving as role models and protectors of the Filipino community. The event was further elevated by exceptional congratulatory messages from COPS Founding Chairman, PDG Sammy Pagdilao, and Metrobank Foundation President, Aniceto Sobrepeña, both of whom lauded the awardees for their unwavering dedication to serving the Filipino people, going above and beyond the call of duty. The Philippine National Police Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil also sent his warm congratulations, which were delivered on his behalf by Gen. Wilson Asueta, commending the honorees for their exemplary service and dedication to upholding the law.

Adding to the grandeur of the event was the presentation of special trophies to the honorees. These trophies, featuring the vibrant colors of the Philippine flag and RCNME’s 40th Ruby Year sigil, were designed to evoke a deep sense of national pride. They not only represented the individual achievements of the awardees but also symbolized the legacy of the Rotary Club of New Manila East in recognizing and supporting exceptional public servants over the decades.

In keeping with the ceremony’s tone of camaraderie and celebration, a ceremonial toast was led by President Karlo Benjamin Nisce, raising glasses in honor of the awardees and their continued service to the nation. “May the almighty protect you and your families as you go beyond the call of duty to serve our beloved nation, Pilipinas. Kudos and Mabuhay!” he declared.

The event also featured musical interludes, including a soulful rendition of the beloved Filipino classic “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” by Rotarian Michael Odoemene. In a surprise number, Rotarian Michael sang a duet with IPP Marlon Mañaol a heart warming rendition of Folk Singer Freddie Aguilar's "Ang Bayan Ko", which struck a patriotic chord among attendees and further emphasized the evening’s theme of pride in being Filipino.

Besides the trophies, framed photographs of the awardees, accompanied by heartfelt congratulatory messages from the guests, were presented as keepsakes. This gesture underscored the personal connections forged between the honorees and those in attendance, further enriching the sense of national solidarity present throughout the night.

The Rotary Club of New Manila East’s celebration of the 2024 COPS awardees was not only a testament to the achievements of the country’s top police officers but also a reflection of the enduring partnership between the club, the Metrobank Foundation, the Philippine National Police, and other key institutions. Through this intimate and personal ceremony, RCNME reaffirmed its commitment to promoting service, leadership, and patriotism among the nation’s finest public servants.